Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Space Tourism’s Impact on Future Space Research

Space tourism and its influence on future space research is an increasingly relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in recent exams and is likely to continue featuring prominently due to the rapid advancements in commercial space travel. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze high-scoring responses to help you prepare for this potential exam topic.

Some people think that space tourism will have a positive impact on future space research. Others believe it will hinder scientific progress in space exploration. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question presents a balanced argument task, requiring candidates to discuss both perspectives on space tourism’s impact on space research. The key aspects to address are:

1. Positive impacts of space tourism on space research
2. Negative impacts of space tourism on space research
3. Your personal opinion on the overall impact

Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, highlighting the strengths and areas for improvement in each.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Space tourism, once a distant dream, is rapidly becoming a reality. While some argue that this burgeoning industry will catalyze advancements in space research, others contend it may impede scientific progress. In my view, the potential benefits of space tourism for future space exploration far outweigh its drawbacks.

Proponents of space tourism argue that it will accelerate technological innovations and increase funding for space research. As private companies compete to make space travel safer and more accessible, they inevitably develop new technologies that can benefit scientific missions. For instance, SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology, initially designed to reduce costs for space tourists, has revolutionized satellite launches and cargo deliveries to the International Space Station. Moreover, the influx of private capital into the space industry could supplement government funding for research, enabling more ambitious scientific projects.

On the other hand, critics worry that the focus on commercial space travel might divert resources and attention from pure scientific endeavors. They argue that the pursuit of profit could overshadow the quest for knowledge, potentially slowing down important research in fields such as astronomy and planetary science. There are also concerns about the environmental impact of increased rocket launches and the potential for space debris, which could complicate future scientific missions.

However, I believe that the synergy between space tourism and scientific research will ultimately prove beneficial. The history of exploration shows that commercial interests often pave the way for scientific discoveries. Just as the how climate change is increasing the severity of storms has driven advancements in meteorological research, the development of space tourism infrastructure could create new opportunities for scientific experiments and observations. Furthermore, as more people experience space travel firsthand, public interest and support for space exploration are likely to grow, potentially leading to increased government funding for research.

In conclusion, while the concerns about space tourism’s impact on scientific progress are valid, I am optimistic about its overall effect on future space research. By fostering innovation, attracting investment, and inspiring public interest, space tourism has the potential to propel us into a new era of space exploration and scientific discovery.

(Word count: 345)

Space tourism and research synergy

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, cohesion, and a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, warranting a high band score. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked using cohesive devices like “On the other hand” and “However.”

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “space debris” and “planetary science.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used effectively with a high degree of accuracy. For example, “As private companies compete to make space travel safer and more accessible, they inevitably develop new technologies that can benefit scientific missions.”

5. Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, such as the reference to SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The topic of space tourism and its effects on future space research is a debated issue. Some people think it will help space research, while others believe it will cause problems. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

On the positive side, space tourism can bring more money to space research. When rich people pay for trips to space, companies can use that money to develop new technologies. These technologies might also be useful for scientific missions. For example, better rocket engines or life support systems could help astronauts on long missions. Also, if more people go to space, they might become more interested in space science and support more research.

However, there are also negative aspects to consider. Some people worry that space tourism will take attention away from important scientific work. Companies might focus more on making money from tourists than on doing research that doesn’t make immediate profit. There are also concerns about pollution in space. More rockets launching tourists could create more space junk, which could be dangerous for satellites and other space missions.

In my opinion, I think space tourism will probably have more positive effects on space research in the long run. Even though there are some problems, the extra money and interest in space that tourism brings could lead to big advances in technology and science. Also, as more people see Earth from space, they might care more about protecting our planet and studying it from above.

To conclude, while space tourism has both good and bad points for space research, I believe the benefits will be greater than the drawbacks. It’s important for scientists and space companies to work together to make sure tourism helps rather than hinders research.

(Word count: 294)

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates a good understanding of the task and presents a clear position, but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay. Here’s an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting an opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and mechanical (e.g., “On the positive side,” “However”).

3. Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary, but it lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made (e.g., “life support systems”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are some minor errors, but they do not impede communication.

5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but could be more fully extended and supported with specific examples or more detailed explanations.

Key Vocabulary

1. Space tourism (noun) – /speɪs ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – Commercial travel for recreational purposes in outer space.

2. Catalyze (verb) – /ˈkætəlaɪz/ – To cause or accelerate a reaction or process.

3. Burgeoning (adjective) – /ˈbɜːrdʒənɪŋ/ – Growing or developing rapidly.

4. Reusable rocket technology (noun phrase) – /riːˈjuːzəbl ˈrɒkɪt tekˈnɒlədʒi/ – Rockets designed to be used multiple times, reducing launch costs.

5. Space debris (noun) – /speɪs dəˈbriː/ – Defunct human-made objects in space, such as old satellites or fragments from collisions.

6. Synergy (noun) – /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – The interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect greater than the sum of the individual elements.

7. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.

8. Propel (verb) – /prəˈpel/ – Drive, push, or cause to move in a particular direction.

9. Life support systems (noun phrase) – /laɪf səˈpɔːrt ˈsɪstəmz/ – Equipment that provides air, water, and food to sustain life in inhospitable environments like space.

10. Space junk (noun) – /speɪs dʒʌŋk/ – Colloquial term for space debris, referring to defunct artificial objects in space.

In conclusion, the topic of space tourism’s impact on future space research is likely to remain relevant for IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays that discuss both the potential benefits and drawbacks of commercial space travel on scientific progress. Consider aspects such as technological innovation, funding, public interest, and environmental concerns. Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your points with relevant examples.

For further practice, try writing an essay on a related topic, such as “Some people believe that money spent on space exploration could be better used to solve problems on Earth. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.